| Tribe donates $100,000 to Polk County College |
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| Thursday, 22 July 2010 | |
 Alabama-Coushatta Tribal Council Chairman Carlos Bullock presented a $100,000 check to Martha Watson, co-chair of the Polk County Higher Education and Technology Foundation fund-raising committee Monday at the tribal administration office. The Tribal Education Board and Tribal Council combined resources for the donation. Attending the ceremony were Andy Evans, William Sylestine, Roland Poncho, County Judge John Thompson, Kim Williams, Pete Polite, Karen Williams, Keith Stapleton, Joe Thomas Jr., JoAnn Battise, Kyle Williams, Delores Poncho, Janie Rhinesmith, Melanie Battise and McClamrock Battise. Also recognized during the ceremony were 1st Chief Oscola Clayton Sylestine and 2nd Chief Colabe III Clem Sylestine. College effort collects $1.6M in local funds Contributed by: Polk County Enterprise ALABAMA COUSHATTA RESERVATION — A donation of $100,000 from the Alabama-Coushatta Tribe of Texas brings local fund-raising efforts for the Polk County Commerce Center to $1.6 million, according to County Judge John Thompson, who also serves as president of the foundation overseeing the project. “I am going to Austin (Tuesday) to dot the I’s and cross the T’s on the Economic Development Administration grant from the US Department of Commerce,” Thompson said. “The fundraising efforts have been positive and with the recent release of federal funds from the Texas Department of Rural Affairs combined with support of the individuals, businesses, Deep East Texas Council of Governments and the Polk County Industrial Development Corporation, we hope to get this project kicked off right away.”
Fundraising led by Dr. and Mrs. Bill Watson have been a community-wide effort and successful.
“We appreciate everyone who has made a contribution to this project,” Martha Watson said. “It has been a community effort we can all be proud of. Locally, we have raised $1.6 million and with the $4 million federal economic development grant we are between $7 and $7.5 million for the project.”
Tribal Treasurer McClamroch Battise offered a special prayer for the success of the Polk County College and Commerce Center and the future education of tribal members during the presentation ceremony Monday.
Tribal member Janie Rhinesmith is eager to see the job-related courses at Angelina College such as nursing get under way.
“More people are interested in this project who have not had an opportunity before,” Rhinesmith said “This is a golden opportunity for all of the community.”
Education Committee Chairwoman JoAnn Battise echoed those comments.
“We have students interested in attending Angelina College that have been hampered by the commute to Lufkin and work. Hopefully, this will allow more people to attend classes.” |
